Add BrightSurf on Google Email

A supernova cocoon breakthrough

Researchers observed a supernova's X-ray emission breaking through a cocoon of dense gas surrounding the star. The data support the idea that some supernovas are powered by blast waves interacting with surrounding material. Additionally, the discovery hints at an unrelated ultraluminous X-ray source nearby.

SourceChandra X-ray Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMay 15, 2012

Star, not so bright

Researchers create model of M33 X-7's evolutionary history and formation to explain its observational characteristics. The model sheds light on massive star evolution and black hole formation physics.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature·DateOct 20, 2010

Mysterious ball lightning: Illusion or reality?

Physicists at the University of Innsbruck suggest that ball lightning observations may be caused by phosphenes induced in the brain by strong magnetic fields. These fields can produce sensations such as noises or smells and are similar to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) used in clinical practice.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalPhysics Letters A·DateMay 18, 2010

Anatomy of a cosmic bird

Astronomers discover triple merger of galaxies, dubbed 'The Bird', with ESO's VLT. The system reveals two massive spiral galaxies and a third irregular galaxy forming stars at high rates.

SourceESO·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateDec 20, 2007

The first 3-D map of the universe

Researchers used COSMOS field data to measure large-scale distribution of matter, revealing concentration of luminous and dark matter. The 3D map provides insight into the formation and evolution of galaxies and may shed light on dark energy.

SourceCNRS·DateMar 3, 2007

Watching how planets form

Astronomers used VISIR instrument to map infrared disc around young, massive star HD 97048, finding it at least 12 times larger than Neptune's orbit. The disc is flared and contains a large amount of gas, potentially hosting planetary embryos.

SourceESO·JournalScience·DateSep 28, 2006

Long-lasting but dim brethren of cosmic flashes

Astronomers have linked an X-ray flash to a supernova for the first time, revealing a new class of events with properties distinct from typical gamma-ray bursts. The discovery suggests the existence of dimmer but possibly more numerous cosmic flashes.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateAug 30, 2006

A ruler to measure the universe

Researchers have created a massive 3-D map of the universe, mapping the distribution of galaxies and providing new insights into dark energy. The map uses luminous red galaxies as 'lighthouses' to measure distances, covering vast scales of up to a billion light-years across.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMay 15, 2006